Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

We all go home in the end

Photo by Author, Misty

Our family lost a much-loved member recently, her name was Misty, a border collie mix with a stubborn streak and a beautiful heart. She lived to 15 years old, which is good for a large breed dog. She was mixed with Great Pyrenees and Akita, a curious mix that gave her height, a long thick coat, and a penchant for talking like many snow dogs have.

Misty was a rescue dog, timid and very young when we got her. We watched her come out of her shell and warm up to people and other pets. She had beautiful pale blue eyes that were slightly crooked so she always had a quirky look, which was well suited to her sweet, exuberant personality.

Misty was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2021, she went on to live almost another year even though, we were told she would only have weeks to at most 6 months. Companion animals often stay around as long as possible to stay with their people, not wanting to leave I have noticed.

Even with that warning, it’s never easy to say goodbye. The harsh reality hits like a cold wind. The stillness of the house now that she is gone. The empty corner where her bed was, where her dishes were. The yawning silence when I come home with no welcome howls.

Goodbyes are never easy, but they are an inevitable part of life no matter how…